Welcome to Sakura Karate Academy

Sakura Karate Academy is a not for profit Karate Club based in Wednesfield, Wolverhampton. The club was set-up to promote and further Karate at all levels within the Wolverhampton area. The club has a dedicated team of experienced Black Belt Instructors who hold National Governing Body Coaching Qualifications, enhanced CRB disclosures and are First Aid trained. 

Our Mission

"Our mission is to create a sustainable, not-for-profit; self-governing organisation that caters to the needs of its membership, by delivering outstanding opportunities, coaching and support. Sakura Karate Academy will provide the platform for its members to achieve success."

Key Objectives

• To always act with integrity – honestly; confidentially; legally and ethically.
• To extend access and increase participation in karate as a sport and a martial art at all skill levels.
• To adopt and maintain relevant codes of safety in the sport.
• To ensure that our members influence how and what services are delivered.
• To respond effectively to the needs of our members.
• To sustain the financial viability of the club and to provide value for money.
• To value our volunteers, and to harness their full potential.
• To deliver excellence, continually improve and provide a first class service.

Affiliations

Sakura Karate Academy is a Wado-Kai Karate Club which is affiliated to the Wado Aiwakai Karate-do Federation (WAKF). The President of WAKF is Sensei Kuniaki Sakagami 8^th Dan.

As affiliated members of WAKF we are also members of the English Karate Federation (EKF), who are the National Governing Body for Karate in England.

We are also the first Karate Club to be certified by Wolverhampton Council, as we run and are managed as per the guidelines set by the councils Sport Club Development team. We also feature on the councils’ website and our instructors are qualified to teach in all Wolverhampton schools.

Background

Karate is a martial art that was developed in Okinawa and exported to mainland Japan in the early 1900’s and reached England in the 1960’s. The word Karate is a compound word made up of the words “kara” (meaning empty) and “te” (meaning hand). That is to say Karate is a martial art developed for self-defence.

The name “Sakura”

We chose the name “Sakura” as it is the Japanese word for Cherry Blossom, which is a symbol of spring, renewal and new life. We felt this name best represented our approach to teaching when we opened our doors for the first time.

Training

We teach Karate in the traditional way using the three elements; Kihon (basic techniques), Kata (pre-arranged forms) and Kumite (sparring).

Karate has many benefits to the practitioner such as improving confidence, co-ordination and discipline to improving fitness and flexibility. All of these benefits may be transferred into everyday life which is specifically important to our younger students.

Belt tests (grading examinations)

If you train with us on a regular basis with the desired effort and intensity you will become proficient at the first part of our syllabus and you may be asked if you would like to take your first belt test by your instructor. Belt tests are set on dates throughout the year by the coaching staff, but not all students will grade on each occasion due to the fact that different people learn at different rates due to age, effort, attendance, concentration etc. See Club Grading Policy on the clubs notice board for further information. Belt tests are NOT compulsory. 

Licence/Insurance

All martial art students who are members of a reputable national governing body are required to have an up-to date licence. The main purpose of the licence is to provide the student with 3^rd party insurance in the unlikely event of an accident. Licences last for one year and must be renewed annually.  

Sakura Karate Academy in the local community

The Club also takes part in charitable events, supports the local community and run local after school clubs. We are also Vice Chair of Wednesfield Community Centre.

Special Events

We hold and take part in a number of events throughout the year including:

·         Competitions

·         Christmas party

·         Summer camp

·         Paintballing

·         Summer fun day

·         Fund raising for club funds

·         Fund raising for charities 

Awards

Trophies and awards are given for student of the month and various awards are presented at the annual Christmas party including the student of the year  and long service awards.

Media

We keep our members informed by regular newsletters, e-mails, announcements  and by  following us on Facebook.